Strait of Hormuz crisis: Iran blocks 4 tankers, 2 on fire as US-Iran tensions escalate

The Strait of Hormuz turned into a flashpoint on Saturday as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it blocked four oil tankers passing through the strategic waterway, with two of them reportedly on fire. The incident marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, raising fears of a broader disruption to global oil supplies.

IRGC strikes in the strait

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC navy targeted a Thai-flagged ship among the four tankers. State media in Tehran reported that two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Hormuz waters. Video footage circulating on social media, though unverified, showed plumes of black smoke rising from vessels in the narrow channel.

The IRGC claimed the action was a response to what it called 'hostile moves' by the US and its allies in the region. The strait, a chokepoint for about a fifth of the world's petroleum, has been a focal point of tensions since the US and Iran traded direct strikes earlier this month.

US denies Iranian claims

The United States swiftly rejected Tehran's version of events. In a statement, a US defence official said: 'This is false. The claims by the Iranian regime of mines hitting tankers are baseless.' The official did not provide further details but confirmed that US naval assets in the region were on high alert and assisting vessels in distress.

The Pentagon earlier reported that US forces helped four tankers navigate through the strait before the IRGC intervention. Two of those tankers are now ablaze, according to Iranian sources. It remains unclear if the US assistance triggered the Iranian response.

Global oil markets on edge

The confrontation sent ripples through energy markets, with crude prices spiking in early trading. Analysts warned that any sustained blockade of the Hormuz strait could choke off supplies from major Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. India, which imports roughly 80% of its crude oil via this route, faces immediate exposure to price shocks.

Shipping sources told Reuters that at least two of the affected vessels were carrying crude destined for Asian buyers. The IRGC has not confirmed the nationalities of the crews or the extent of damage. Maritime security firms have advised all commercial shipping to avoid the area until further notice.

What happens next

Diplomatic channels remain active, but no ceasefire is in sight. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session in the coming hours. For now, the world watches the smoke rise from the world's most vital oil artery — and waits for the next move.